How Does the Trinity Support the Divinity of Jesus?

The doctrine of the Trinity is an important cornerstone of Christian belief. In 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, Paul refers to the deep relationship among the three persons of the Trinity: the Spirit, the Lord (Christ) and God (the Father). He illustrates how unity in the church — in terms of spiritual gifts, kinds of service and kinds of working — should reflect the unity of the Trinity. But how does the relationship among the persons of the Trinity provide evidence of Jesus’ divine nature?

Although the term Trinity is never used in the Bible, the early church fathers discerned the concept from verses like Matthew 28:192 Corinthians 13:14. In fact, the relationship of the Trinity can be traced throughout Scripture. For instance, consider how all were present at Creation: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth … the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:1–2). And Colossians 1:16 says of the Son, “For in him all things were created.”

Yet, as Scriptures like Deuteronomy 6:4 reveal, there is only one God. Although each person of the Trinity is distinct, all share the same essence, or nature.

Philosopher Norman Geisler says that another way to think about the Trinity is as one “What” and three “Whos.” Says Geisler: “The three Whos (persons) each share the same What (essence). So God is a unity of essence with a plurality of persons. Each person is different, yet they share a common nature.”

As difficult as it is to grasp, the concept of the Trinity verifies the divine status of Jesus. Far from being one of many prophets or religious leaders, Jesus is the very essence of God.

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